[Air-L] Question about reimbursing participants doing electronic surveys?

Reusche, Christian Fernando reusche at musc.edu
Wed Aug 18 06:11:27 PDT 2010


Hi Kevin,

The reason for calling particpants is to avoid fraud.  How can we regulate people with multiple email addresses from completing multiple surveys.  If we try and block IP addressess they can always use another public computer.  My idea is to have a consent form prior to doing the survey that would use the particpants email and phone number instead of a signature as a consent to participate.  The data of the survey is de-linked, goes into a separate database and the number and email go to another data base.  The system will block a repeat email or phone number entered into the system.   The contact data base will then be used to confirm the verify code via phone within 48-96hours.  Afterwards, the particpant will be forwarded the gift card.  As long as protected information is de-identified, this is ok.  Participants in other clinical studies usually list their contact information in case the researcher needs to follow up.  I don't think IRB would be deterred because the study is collecting an email and phone-number.  Yes, I know this can be tedious,but this limits fraud.  I know calling can be tedious,but this limits fraud.  

Christian

________________________________________
From: air-l-bounces at listserv.aoir.org [air-l-bounces at listserv.aoir.org] On Behalf Of Kevin Guidry [krguidry at gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 12:13 PM
To: air-l at listserv.aoir.org
Subject: Re: [Air-L] Question about reimbursing participants doing      electronic surveys?

Christian,

I don't know the size of your sample but that sounds like a lot of
work on your part to have to personally call every respondent.  It
also sounds a bit annoying and slightly invasive for the participants.
 I don't think those are show-stoppers, just things that make me raise
my eyebrows, particularly because it requires you to collect
respondents' phone numbers.  If I were conducting this survey and that
were the only reason I was collecting phone numbers, my IRB would
probably push back.

It's also worth noting that past research indicates that post-survey
incentives are typically not effective in increasing response rates.
It might be worth exploring other options.


Kevin
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